Could I Have Cataracts?

March 25th, 2019

Cataracts are a very common condition that usually affects people older than 40. Cataracts form when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to proteins clumping together.

Cataracts happen to everyone as they get older. When that happens depends on factors like genetics, lifestyle habits, and medical history. Keep reading to find out more about cataracts!

Cataract Symptoms

Cataracts cause a variety of symptoms. The most obvious one is a blurry or cloudy appearance to everything. This is because cataracts block light from entering the eye, which distorts vision.

This is even more noticeable in low light such as nighttime driving. Cataracts can also give a yellow tinge to your vision and cause colors to appear less vibrant. Depending on where the cataract grows on the lens, you may experience glare or even double vision.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should go to Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL! You will be able to find out if they are coming from cataracts or if you have another eye problem that needs tending to.

If you have cataracts, they will be monitored until they severely impact your vision. Most cataract surgeons will not remove a cataract until vision has become affected.

Removing Cataracts

While cataracts create a lot of stress, the surgery required to treat them is very safe and effective. Calling cataract surgery “cataract removal surgery” is misleading.

During cataract surgery, the cataract isn’t removed, but broken into smaller pieces. When removing the cataract, the natural lens of the eye must also get removed.

This is because you cannot remove the cataract without removing the lens. After the lens and cataract removal, the lens is then replaced with an IOL.

An IOL, or intraocular lens is a small implantable lens made from silicon or acrylic. They are completely customizable and can actually reduce your need for glasses!

Often patients don’t need glasses at all after surgery. It all depends on what kind of IOL you decide to get.

Monofocal IOLs act like glasses, although they are permanently embedded in the eye. They will correct for only one distance. This means you’ll need to wear glasses for activities like reading, driving, or running.

Multifocal IOLs are like permanent bifocal glasses. They correct for both near and far distances and may be able to halt glasses dependence.

Accommodating IOLs also correct for near and far distances, and can transition smoothly.

If you have astigmatism, you will need to get a Toric IOL. Toric IOLs are specifically designed for people with astigmatism.

IOLs in any form do not guarantee that you will no longer need to use glasses. But they are an excellent solution to cataracts!

During your cataract screening, you will discuss IOL options with your cataract surgeon. This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and what to expect during recovery.

Think you may have cataracts? Schedule a cataract screening with Dr. Lee at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, Alabama!